Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in Final Editions Sets

The Royal Mint has made available a variety of final edition sets which include the ever-familiar portrait or effigy of Queen Elizabeth II first introduced in 1998. The final sets are to be dated “2015” though a new and fifth portrait of the Queen will also be introduced later in the year.

The current portrait, skillfully designed by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley was introduced in 1998 replacing the third portrait initially used on British and some commonwealth countries since 1985. That portrait is usually referred to as the “diadem portrait” and was created by Raphael Maklouf – so referred to as the portrait saw the Queen wearing a dazzling diadem alternating both crosses and fleur-de-lys.

In November of this year, the Royal Mint made an expected announcement that the Rank-Broadley portrait would be replaced with the Queen’s fifth numismatic portrait which is expected to debut before or by the Queen celebrates her “Longest reign” anniversary in September 2015. In modern numismatic history and within the current British dynasty, only Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II have had four official effigies included on the circulation coins of the Realm.

The last series of Rank-Broadley proof coin sets will be issued in a variety of choices from base metal to silver and also gold examples. Each set will include all of the currently circulating coins from the one penny up to the two pounds denominations.

Denominations

Metal

Quality

Mintage

1p – £2

base

UNC

75,000 sets

1p – £2

base

Proof

15,000 sets

1p – £2

.925 silver

Proof

7500 sets

1p – £2

.917 gold

Proof

500 sets

The base metal BU set is packaged in the Royal Mint’s standard folder with slip case which includes an image of the Rank-Broadley image on the cover. The base metal proof set is encased in a Perspex case which allows for viewing of both obverse and reverse. The silver and/or silver sets are also encased in the Perspex case and also includes a hinged box to house the set. All sets include a certificate of authenticity.

For more information on the Fourth Circulating Coinage Final Editions Sets, please visit this section of the Royal Mint website. Information offered in English, international orders dispatched.

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Well, so far, the RM have been playing their cards very close to their chest with respect to the new portrait. I can say a new portrait has already been chosen and its being worked on to transition it from model onto coin.

I expect that we will learn about and see for the first time, the new portrait before the Queen celebrates her Longest reign milestone in September and I would hazzard to guess that this commemorative coin will be the first to include the new effigy – watch this space for more information.

As I understand the arrangement, the design remains the property of the Royal Mint who own the copyright as they commissioned the design and the artist is paid a fee for their work.

This arrangement is usually in place for all Mints but, the problem that sometimes arises is where the work is used by other entities who may not be strictly authorised to use the work.

The Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of the Queen has become iconic and is instantly recognised since its been used on so many country’s coinage where the Queen is Head of State and I’m sure will be missed. We will have the latest information for its replacement as soon as it is released by the RM – watch this space!

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